Manchester United Women claimed their first major trophy since their inception in 2018 with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
In the first Women’s FA Cup final without one of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City for almost two decades, United and Spurs both had the chance to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
It was United who rose to the occasion, controlling the first half and finally scoring in stoppage-time thanks to Ella Toone’s brilliant strike.
Marc Skinner’s side then made sure of the win with two goals in four second-half minutes, Rachel Williams heading in the second before Lucia Garcia tapped into the net after a dreadful error from Spurs goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer.
There was still time for Garcia to add her second to cap a dominant performance from United – one that may also go some way to securing the future of Skinner, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
How Man Utd cruised to maiden FA Cup
The opening minutes in the Wembley sunshine suggested an entertaining and equal game would play out, with Spurs’ Matilda Vinberg and United’s Leah Galton both going close.
But Spurs have never beaten United and the theme of the afternoon was established soon after, with Williams twice almost scoring from Katie Zelem corners.
Spurs’ defence was incapable of dealing with United’s threat from set-pieces, with Martha Thomas having to clear Millie Turner’s header off the line before Drew Spence’s handball in the area went unpunished.
United’s opener came from a different source, though, with Toone capitalising on another mistake in possession by Spurs, carrying the ball to the edge of the area before bending a superb finish into the top corner.
Shortly after half-time, Williams’ aerial dominance finally paid dividends when she headed in Zelem’s free-kick and Spencer then ended any hopes of a Spurs comeback when she passed the ball straight to Garcia, who could hardly miss the open goal from just yards out.
Rachel Williams heads Manchester United into a 2-0 lead against Spurs
Perhaps knowing the game had gone, Spurs appeared briefly liberated and should have pulled a goal back when Bethany England crashed a header off the bar.
But they ended the game without mustering a single shot on target and, after Spencer partially atoned for her error by denying Melvine Malard, Garcia swept in her second goal, providing the polish to a perfect afternoon for United.
Skinner’s team have endured a difficult season, off the pace in the WSL while the manager has faced calls for his exit, but their Wembley success ensures the campaign ends on a high – and may well increase the likelihood of INEOS extending Skinner’s deal.
Lucia Garcia scores her second goal of the game to put Manchester United 4-0 up at Wembley
What’s next?
Manchester United end their season at home to Chelsea in the WSL on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
Tottenham return to WSL action at home to Chelsea on Wednesday; kick-off 7.15pm. Spurs then conclude their campaign at home to West Ham on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
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